Mass production can humble a food real quick. Once upon a time, ice cream was a royal indulgence and pineapples were rented like jewelry. Today? They’re road-trip snacks. Let’s take a look at 10 foods that went from high-class to highway pit stop.
10. Bananas
When bananas first arrived in the US in the late 19th century, they were exotic delicacies. Wealthy hosts tried to be impressive by serving this tropical fruit at high-society dinners. Fast-forward to today, bananas are among the cheapest fruits in the world, found in gas stations, truck stops, and every corner store.
9. Pineapples
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, pineapples were a status symbol and wealthy families rented them as table centerpieces to convey refinement. George Washington adored them, and European elites carved pineapples as architectural flourishes. Now, pineapple is a gas station staple in the form of dried chunks, canned rings, and even flavored gummies.
8. Coffee
When coffee first spread from Yemen in the 1600s, it was pricey, exotic, and mainly enjoyed by aristocrats. By the 18th century, American colonists viewed coffee as more luxurious than tea. But industrial roasting and chains like Folgers turned it into an everyday fuel. Today, gas stations practically run on it.
7. Ice
That’s right, ice was astonishingly elite. Before refrigeration, having ice meant you had wealth. New England entrepreneurs carved blocks from frozen lakes and shipped them worldwide. When mechanical refrigeration came into view, ice turned into a household standard. Gas stations now sell it by the bag or piled in self-serve freezers next to Gatorade.
6. Ice Cream
Speaking of ice, let’s talk about another icy gas station staple. Before the advances in freezing technology happened, ice cream was only reserved for aristocrats. In the 18th century, it appeared at royal banquets in Europe, often flavored with rare ingredients like rosewater or saffron. Once the highlight of lavish banquets, ice cream is now something you spill on your shirt while pumping gas on a hot afternoon.
5. Chocolate
When chocolate arrived in Europe in the 16th century, it was only consumed as a bitter, spiced drink by nobles. Industrial chocolate makers like Hershey’s democratized it in the 20th century and the rest is (sweet) history. Now, it’s gas station fuel in the form of Reese’s, Snickers, and king-sized Hershey bars.
4. Citrus Fruits
Lemons, oranges, and limes were so rare in the 17th century that nobles in Europe exchanged them as precious gifts. In the 19th century, Florida and California orchards, plus refrigerated train cars, made citrus fruits available nationwide. Today, you can pair your road snacks with orange juice bottles and lime-flavored sports drinks.
3. Sushi
Once upon a time, sushi in America was strictly fine dining. It was introduced in elite restaurants in New York and Los Angeles in the mid-20th century. But with supermarket packaging, refrigeration tech, and California roll’s mainstream appeal, sushi has been reduced to a cold, cling-wrapped option next to pre-made ham sandwiches and egg salad.
2. Sparkling Wine
Champagne has long been linked to European royalty, symbols of wealth, and exclusive celebrations. In the 19th century, only the rich toasted with French bottles of fine wine. With American mass production, sparkling wines and “champagne-style” beverages have become widely available. Now, bargain bottles are stocked at gas stations and sometimes paired with Funyuns.
1. Deviled Eggs
Once the darling of cocktail parties, deviled eggs showed up garnished with sprigs of dill, paprika swirls, or even a dab of caviar. In the 1950s, serving a perfectly arranged platter of deviled eggs also signaled sophistication. Fast-forward, this elegant finger food has been demoted to gas station coolers, sealed in plastic with a “best by” date.